“Even if it leads to your death?” I was ashamed of myself for saying it even as I did. I knew what his response had to be.

“Oh, Reed.” He slid an arm down to grab my hand in a desperate, but comforting grasp. “Reed, I swore my loyalty to Tristan. I told you from the beginning that it would have to lie with him, that loyalty had to come before my love for you. I’m so sorry, but yes. I will follow Tristian’s lead, even to my death.”

All I could do was nod, and give his hand a little squeeze. It hurt, but he had told me right from the beginning. I suppose that’s what I get for falling in love with a solider.